Albany Agenda

Politics

Advocates push for public ownership of Hudson Valley energy company

As Central Hudson continues to raise rates, activists and progressive lawmakers are making a new push to bring it under public ownership – but organized labor is wary.

Albany Agenda

Policy

Hochul’s ambitious AI plans may threaten state’s climate goals

New York state wants to become a leader in AI research and slash its use of fossil fuels. But can it do both?

Heard Around Town

Politics

Lander and advocates lobby Hochul to sign climate change superfund bill

State legislators already passed the bill, which would require top polluters to foot the bill for climate change remediation projects, but Hochul has not yet said whether she will sign it.

Transportation

Policy

Congestion pricing is indefinitely ‘on pause.’ NYC doesn’t have a backup plan to meet climate goals.

“We are certainly not waiting on congestion pricing,” Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi said, of the city’s emissions reductions efforts.

Opinion

Opinion

Opinion: NY’s climate progress is failing. A new plan for public power can fix it.

The state must build 15 gigawatts’ worth of clean energy projects by 2030 to hit its climate targets.

Albany Agenda

Policy

The bills that passed and failed to pass in the last week of session

Landmark new social media regulations for kids passed the Legislature, but the NY HEAT Act didn’t make it past the finish line.

Transportation

Policy

Congestion pricing is (probably) a month away. Is New York City ready?

Advocates say transit improvements and strong public reporting will make congestion pricing a success, and maybe even win over skeptics. That is, assuming New York acts fast.

Transportation

Policy

New York’s slow progress moving to EVs highlights obstacles cities face

While the city has struggled to build public chargers for electric vehicles, it has made strides in electrifying its own fleet.

Celebs

Personality

Mark Ruffalo is obsessed with NY politics

The Hulk takes his cues from a former Ithaca Assembly member, will show up at the Capitol to talk about fracking and wanted you to “Leave It Blank” for Palestine.

News & Politics

Politics

Climate advocates plan to spend against incumbents blocking NY HEAT Act

The Spring Street Climate Political Fund is targeting Assembly Members Didi Barrett and Michael Benedetto, who are facing left-wing primary challengers.

Special Reports

Personality

Protecting airports from flooding and building out a ferry service option

A Q&A with Donovan Richards on how the water will be key to the future of New York City’s airports.

Energy & Environment

Policy

NYC environment commish delivers sobering message to City Council on flooding

“We will need a much broader conversation about how much we are willing to pay, how much flooding we are willing to accept,” the city Environmental Protection Commissioner Rohit Aggarwala said.

Energy & Environment

Personality

Green New York initiatives touted at first City & State Trailblazers in Clean Energy event

Andrew Kessler, president of NY Green Bank, a division of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and New York City Council Member Sandy Nurse, delivered keynote remarks.

Editor's Note

Opinion

Editor’s Note: 4/20 isn’t just for smoking this year

Tokers, already outside, can enjoy 53 car-free streets as part of the New York City Department of Transportation’s early celebration of Earth Day.

Energy & Environment

Policy

Exclusive: Environmental, labor groups call for more climate funding in city budget

A letter to the City Council calls for investing an additional $600 million in the electrification of public schools and allocating more funding to help implement Local Law 97.

Housing

Policy

Bill package aims to improve delivery of services to New Yorkers displaced from homes after natural disasters, fires and other emergencies

The Back Home Act would increase accountability, address operational inefficiencies and provide greater transparency and resources.

News & Politics

Politics

No major earthquake damage reported in New York City

In a briefing alongside various agency heads, Mayor Eric Adams said New Yorkers should go about their business, but further assessments of infrastructure is ongoing.

Politics

Politics

NY League of Conservation Voters drops 2024 endorsement slate

Like human caused climate change, this group of 85 endorsees is pretty predictable.